Project 11 representatives meet with Winnipeg Jets players in Winnipeg, strengthening their partnership in promoting mental health awareness among youth. The initiative, inspired by former NHL player Rick Rypien, continues to impact students across Canada and beyond.
Submitted photos.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Feb 12, 2025
Initiative inspired by late NHL player Rick Rypien reaches classrooms across Canada and beyond
A program founded in memory of former NHL player Rick Rypien is continuing to make an impact in classrooms across Canada and beyond, helping students develop essential mental health skills from an early age. Project 11, an initiative of the True North Youth Foundation, began in 2012 and has since expanded into schools in multiple provinces and even internationally.
The program, which was inspired by Rypien’s struggles with mental health, aims to empower students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 by incorporating coping strategies and mental wellness education into their daily lives. With strong support from the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose, Project 11 has grown significantly, reaching thousands of students and teachers.
“P11 is a mental health-based initiative that was inspired by my late cousin’s idea to promote mental health awareness among youth from an early age,” said Courtney Rypien, “In navigating his own mental health struggles, he had sought to make a difference to support them in any way he could.”
Project 11 has found a place in the Crowsnest Pass, with Crowsnest Consolidated High School (CCHS) embedding the program into its curriculum since 2022. Nine teachers at CCHS actively deliver the program, helping students develop an understanding of mental wellness. Additionally, 38 teachers across the Livingstone Range School Division have gained access to the program, representing schools such as Willow Creek High School, West Meadow Elementary, and Canyon Elementary.
“This past October, my family and I had the opportunity to visit CCHS, where both Rick and I graduated,” Rypien said, “Seeing firsthand how P11 has been embraced by educators and integrated into daily learning was incredibly meaningful.”
She noted that the dedication of teachers and staff in promoting mental well-being has been crucial to the program’s success.
“The school’s commitment to empowering students with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges was evident. This was an incredibly special trip,” she added.
Since its inception, Project 11 has been integrated into schools across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. It has also expanded into schools in Minnesota and North Dakota, as well as internationally in India and Australia.
However, despite its growth, the program still faces challenges in spreading mental health awareness.
“One of the greatest challenges that the program faces seems to be mostly around the awareness that it exists at all,” Rypien said, “Project 11 is in its 11th year, and although it started with a focus on Manitoba students, it has expanded far beyond that.”
Another challenge has been ensuring that educators understand the purpose of the program.
“Some teachers may initially be concerned that the lessons function as therapy sessions, but they are actually designed to support their efforts in educating students,” she explained, “The program provides ready-to-use lessons that help teachers meet specific learning outcomes while also teaching students about mental health and wellness in a holistic way.”
The program’s success is evident in the way it has changed conversations around mental health, especially among youth.
“I’ve seen students become more comfortable talking about their emotions and reaching out for support when they need it,” Rypien said, “It’s incredible to watch kids and teens start to recognize their feelings and develop healthy ways to cope, whether it’s through mindfulness, journalling, or just having open conversations.”
Beyond individual students, she said Project 11 has created a “ripple effect” in schools and communities, where teachers, counsellors, and families are more engaged in supporting students’ well-being.
“The focus on early intervention makes a huge difference,” she said. “Kids who might have struggled in silence before are now getting support earlier.”
Educators interested in implementing Project 11 in their schools can register for training at www.projecteleven.com.
Additionally, the program is organizing an Adult Wellness Development Day on April 11, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This fundraising event will provide participants with a full day dedicated to holistic wellness, further supporting the initiative.
Another way to support Project 11 is through Connor Hellebuyck’s new mental wellness flipbook for kids, available online at the True North Shop. Each purchase contributes to the program’s mission of fostering mental health conversations among students.
Project 11 also plays a key role in Hockey Talks, the NHL’s national mental health awareness campaign. Each year, the Winnipeg Jets highlight various mental health organizations during home games as part of this initiative.
Donations to Project 11 can be made at www.projecteleven.com.
As Project 11 continues to grow, its impact remains deeply personal for those involved.
“I believe it’s crucial to acknowledge that mental health and wellness impact everyone, particularly in times like these,” Rypien said, “The work that the True North Foundation continues to do has made such a meaningful difference.”
For her, seeing something so positive emerge from tragedy is hard to put into words.
“To see something so impactful emerge from such a profound and personal family tragedy is difficult to express. Simply saying ‘thank you’ will never be enough.”
